Drexel IMS Program...

[drumming207]

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Members don't see this ad.

Those of you that have been through the program, what did you think?--Acceptances or Waitlists after completion?? It's essentially a first-year MD program with the exception of a few details (for those of you that don't know, the program shows adcoms that you can handle MD classes). Is it worth the money?

Did any of you retake the MCAT as well? Oh, would you consider this program to be rigorous since it is equivalent to the first-year MD curriculum at Drexel, or does it actually vary from what the website says (looks harder on paper than it is)?

Sorry, I am just trying to get a "feel" for how the program has helped people's applications.

Any input is appreciated.

drumming 😀

 

[medicine2006]

I finished their two-year masters program 2 years ago. I started out in the IMS and then did the research MMS 2nd year.

About the IMS year; well it's basically equivalent to about 65-75% of a first year medical school curriculum. The big thing is there is no gross anatomy and no early exposure to seeing patients like most med schools have. But the stuff that is taught you is exactly what Drexel medical students take. Please note that some of the medical students call the IMS people "imaginary medical students" a snide remark. Ironically many of these people barely got off the waitlist and would have gone to the IMS program if they weren't so lucky.

The tuition is cheap compared to other one-year post-bac programs. Be aware that it is hard to get A's because you're competing against the medical students. All they have to do is pass but you have to get about a standard deviation or more above their average to get an A. Some medical schools might not know this and may penalize you for getting a B in some of your courses because they think graduate programs give out only good grades. But the IMS administration does a good job of solving this by writing letters to schools that you apply to explaining the rigors of the program.

About my situation. When I applied to med schools in 2000 (I'm a California resident so it was tough) I got rejected by all 29 schools I applied to. 8 of those rejections I didn't even get a secondary. Got no interviews. After completing the MMS program I applied to 25 schools. Got secondaries from all of the schools. Even got 3 interview holds at those Cali schools that usually frown upon reapplicants. I was invited to 5 interviews and decided to go to 4 of them. Out of that I got 3 acceptances. So I believe this program drastically helped me achieve my goal.

Now I'm done with 2nd year medical school and studying for Step 1 USMLE.

So I think this program is really great and the people there really do a lot to help you. They even set you up with a faculty advisor that can write you a kick a$$ LOR.

The drawback is it's stressful, more so than medical school because you're still trying to impress medical schools. And Philly while not exactly my type of city has its moments and does offer all the benefits of a large city.

I hope this helps. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't do the IMS. Just offering information.

 

[drumming207]

medicine2006,

I appreciate the time you spent replying to my post. It is good to hear that the program really benefited you...and good luck with the USMLE1.

The "grade issue" I have heard about before, but it is good to see it explained in longhand.

Thanks again for your help.

drumming 😀

 

[chicago-girl]

Hello all,

I am somewhat new to this site, but I do have a question about Drexel's Medical Sciences Preparatory program. I hope that if there is anyone out there who is familiar with it, he or she can answer my question.

First of all, I have my heart set on Drexel and I really would like to be part of the program. I just sent of my application packet and am hoping to hear back from them soon. Can anyone tell me how competitive it is to gain a spot? Is there anything else I can do to increase my chance of getting in? I will also appreciate any useful comments about MSP.

Hope to hear from some of you.

Best,

 

[CaptainZero]

Okay, first off the IMS program is as hard as it appears on paper. While the material is not too conceptually difficult, the is a huge volume, and as Medicine2006 stated, you are under a ton of stress - which makes it all the more difficult. I'm just finishing up the year and am entirely burnt out.
I agree with pretty much everything else Medicine2006 said...not much has changed. But I'd like to add a few things:

1) As an IMS student, you are treated like a second class citizen. You watch the lectures on a live video feed that isn't always working properly. Also, simple little things like a malfunctioning microphone on the prof. basically means that you don't get to hear the lecture. More often than not, everything is working fine, but those few classes that are screwed up just add extra stress. The labs suck (relative to the med school's). Despite this, most of the med school profs are very welcoming and supportive of IMS students...which is good.

2) Secondly, the administration of the program leaves a lot to be desired. You get notified after the fact about room changes, proctors for exams sometimes show up late, schedules for small group and lab sessions are constantly being re-arranged, and you often aren't informed until the last second. Sometimes TA's and teachers for these small groups show up late because they themselves aren't told where to go or sometimes what to teach. This year there was a big problem with transcripts not being sent out and faculty letters of rec. not going out on time (Which, to their credit, the admin. did their best to rectify). I've also heard that at times they can be downright vindictive towards the students (I personally have never experienced this, but I know of several students who have - may be exagerrated or outright rumor, but none-the-less...).

3)IMS is essentially part of a first year curriculum...70% - but I wouldn't consider Gross Anatomy a minor detail. Also not taken by the IMS students but taken by the Med Students: Behavioral Science, Principles of Med Research (Statistics basically), Women's Health, Physician and Patient (clinical, but tested along with the basic sciences), Genetics, and Intro to Ambulatory Care - which has a significant time commitment. IMS students do have to take a Med Ethics course which med students do not take - The grade essentially based on a papers that are required to be handed in on a weekly basis. The grading for the Ethics course is a huge source of malcontent with IMS students because it is very subjective. However, the course is a huge help for prepping for interviews.

4) Because of grades not being relased until January, your application (if you are only doing the one year IMS program) gets considered very late in the application cycle...a significant disadvantage.


Now that I've pointed out the biggest negatives, I will tell you to definitely do the program because it will do what it's intended to do...and that is get you into medical school. But it will only do this if you work your ass off, and I mean really work your ass off. As was said, it is not easy to get A's, but you need a few of them to stand a solid shot at an acceptance. Many people entering IMS think that just finishing the program with the bare min. B average (A B is given if your grade in a class equals the Med school's mean grade) will get you into the school of your choice. This isn't always true. The B's will get you an interview at Drexel. Not an acceptance. The majority of people with B- averages got flat out rejected from Drexel. Also, the majority of people that get the gauranteed interview get waitlisted, even at drexel. Some people with B averages or less do get into other school's, but they usually have a high MCAT score or some other outstanding aspect to their app. Many people drop/fail out of the program. Bottom line: a low undergrad GPA and/or MCAT and the bare Min. B ave. (or less) in IMS isn't going to get you far.

 

[CaptainZero]

Just a little add on to my previous post...
When refering to aceptances to med schools out of IMS, I was speaking strictly for allopathic schools. The program does have a very impressive record of placing students into Osteopathic schools.

 

[CaptainZero]

Hello all,

I am somewhat new to this site, but I do have a question about Drexel's Medical Sciences Preparatory program. I hope that if there is anyone out there who is familiar with it, he or she can answer my question.

First of all, I have my heart set on Drexel and I really would like to be part of the program. I just sent of my application packet and am hoping to hear back from them soon. Can anyone tell me how competitive it is to gain a spot? Is there anything else I can do to increase my chance of getting in? I will also appreciate any useful comments about MSP.

Hope to hear from some of you.

Best,

I'm not doing the MSP program, but I know several people that are. MSP students generally fall into the category of applicants with solid GPA's but marginal to poor MCAT scores (If it is your GPA that is hurting, and not your MCAT score, consider IMS instead). The curriculum is basically build to prepare you for the MCAT. The core courses are physics, gen chem, O-chem, Pharmacology (which apparently is basically a physio class)and anatomy. Additionally they have specific MCAT prep sessions that use the Exam Krakers books and CD's as a guide. Practice MCAT's are scheduled on saturdays for the majority of the year, so you get PLENTY of practice.
Many (most) MSP students do the MSP curriculum 1 year, take the MCAT that April, and then do the IMS program the second year. This will give you an MBS degree - Masters of Biological Science. The MMS degree (that medicine2006 has) is given to people that do IMS one year and take a few additional classes (Pathology and/or pharmacology-different than MSP pharmacology) plus some research in the second year.
Most of the people I know that did MSP last year and are doing IMS with me this year did well on the MCAT and have gotten numerous acceptances from med schools (primarily osteopathic, but several allopathic as well).
Unfortunately,I have no idea how competitive it is to get into. My inclination is that it's not very competitive though. In terms of increasing your chances of getting in, I don't really know what to tell you. If you live close by, you can make an appointment with the administrator of the program (Dr. Soslau) to meet with him and ask questions/express enthusiasm for the program.
Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

 

[denali]

I concur with medicine2006. IMS & MMS were positive experiences for me and crucial to my 6 interviews, 1 waitlist, 4 acceptances. Couple of things:

1. You must work hard. Can't stress that enough. It's nearly impossible to salvage your credentials for medical school after tanking in IMS, or any post bacc program for that matter. That also means setting your priorities correctly while in the program. Generally what most students did in undergrad didn't work out for them; one has to step up to succeed in IMS/MMS.

2. The program is rigorous. As has been mentioned, you get a subset of the MS-1 curriculum, but for the courses you take, you get the full MS-1 course. The advantage is you can tell your interviewers they don't have to try and predict your performance based on ugrad grades, they can see how you've already performed in med school classes. Additonally, it gives you a good feel for whether or not you can handle the didactic years of med school.

3. I had to retake my too-old MCAT in August of my second year. It is not wise to take it in April while you're in the IMS year, because it is very difficult to study for both the MCAT & your IMS classes. Taking it in August gave me the summer to study for it, and despite the delay it caused my application, allowed me to get a good score.

4. I am reaping other benefits from doing the program even now, and I'm almost done with first year. My MS-1 year has been much less stressful, not because I've had most of the classes before, but because of the little things: I know how to study the volume of material, I'm not flustered by clinical vignettes, and I'm not distracted by the ubiquitous "How is this relevant to when I'm a doctor" questions. I'm able to have relaxing weekends and a maybe 1-2 weeknights because I know exactly how much I need to study to get the grades I want. With regards to specific classes, Physio is not as mystifying the second time around, and Histology is downright bearable (ahh, cross sections of the proximal collecting tubule, we meet again). Biochem was still tough, but I at least knew what stuff was important and what was less likely to be tested.

Bottom line, I'm in med school, having the time of my life doing what I've dreamed of doing, so yeah, it was worth it.

FWIW,
mdf

 

[Airzonk]

Great reviews of the MSP/IMS program. Thanks to the above posters for their input.

 

[drumming207]

Booyah!--I truly appreciate all of the replies above. The input above is priceless.

Thanks again,

drumming 😀

 

[CaptainZero]

Booyah!--I truly appreciate all of the replies above. The input above is priceless.

Thanks again,

drumming 😀

Glad it was helpful...and congrats on your accceptance to the program. It really is a great program (despite my rant of a few days ago...as I mentioned, I'm a little burnt out right now, so it's easy to get frustrated with little things). Work hard and I'm sure you'll get to where you want to go.
Some parting advice:

1) The only books you need to buy are the ones for MicroAnatomy and Neuro. (Despite the fact the they give you a $800 list of books that they say are "required") Don't waste your money on the enormous and expensive Bio Chem, Physio, and immunology books.I promise you that you will not need them, and if you do end up needing them, they are on reserve in the library. Instead, buy books that are meant as study guides for the boards...First Aid for USMLE, NMS, Pre Test (my favorite) - you'll have to sift through some irrelevant info, but these books have TONS of practice questions which you can't get enough of when studying for exams.

2) Use the Laser Disc A LOT...it's key to doing well in MicroAnatomy (you'll know what the laser disc is once you're there.)

3) Don't be afraid to approach the profs with questions. As I said before, they're very helpful and practically bend over backwards for students. It may mean that you have to take the shuttle out to Queen Lane (The med school), but if your stuck on something, its worth it to get the help

4)Sign up for the free tutors as soon as classes start (they tell you how to arrange for tutoring during your orientation), even if you're not sure if you're going to need them. If you end not needing them then you can stop going, but you don't want wait until its too late to turn to tutors.

5)You don't have to go to (or watch on the internet) the class called physician&patient, which is usually at 8am...you're not tested on it (nobody told us that this year until after the first exam) although the med students are. The lectures are interesting though...

6)Stay on top of the work. Because they put all the lectures on the internet, it's very easy to skip lecture because you can just watch it later, but this also makes it easy to fall behind if you're not 100% diligent about watching the lectures daily. In other words, it's easy to just say.."I'll just watch it tomorrow", but then "tomorrow" there's even more lectures to watch - they pile up quickly.

7)Don't underestimate Nutrition. Dr Swaney is a good teacher, but he expects a lot.

8)Don't drop immunology unless you really have to. Immunology starts at probably one of the most difficult times of the year - physio, biochem, nutrition and MicroAnatomy are all in full swing...the last thing you'll feel like doing is piling another course on top of all that. A lot of people drop it because of this, even though it means you can't get the guaranteed interview. It's a hard class, but interesting, clinically relevant and the adcom at Drexel looks favorably upon students that stick it out through immuno.

9) They have old MicroAnatomy exams on reserve at the library...something I didn't know until the course was almost over.

10) First semester is key (especially if you'll be applying next year and not doing MMS) because it is really the only grades the adcoms will see when deciding whether or not to accept you. Some of the second semester courses end early, so you maybe able to get those grades in too...but work your ass off first semster.

11) The library closes at 11 most nights, and you may need to be there later. There is a 24 hour study room in the library, but it gets crowded, especially before exams. However, if you go up to the 3rd and 4th floor, all of the classrooms are left unlocked and they are great for after hours studying or group study sessions - you can talk freely with out having to whisper.

12) Try to take at least one night a week off...even when it seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day (November, December, and January are all like that). You'll go crazy if you don't. I usually would get out of class on Friday say at 2 pm (the schedule is different from day to day, unlike undergrad) and I wouldn't look at school stuff until sat at 2pm.

13) Some cool places to go out in philly: Manyunk (kinda far, but fun, especially in warm weather), Old City which is around 2nd and Market...lots of cool bars - plough and the stars, blue martini - a few others I can't remember the name of, South street is okay...kind of an eccentric crowd, but fun once and a while, at 2nd and Callowhill (3rd?? somewhere around there) there a few good bars...Finnigan's wake, Tiki Bobs, McFadden's...

14) there's a little pizza place around the corner from the school called Rex's. DO NOT EAT THERE.

That's about all I can think of...good luck next year.

 

[Terminator]

You guys are so helpful, I cant thank enough for all the wonderful inputs provided above. I have recently been accepted to the IMS program and will start in August 2004. I have several questions I would like to ask, and would welcome any answer. My GPA is 3.3 and MCAT is 27. I took it twice but the score was still the same. My questions are:

1. I plan to do the IMS program for 1 year only, when did you guys reapply to medical schools?


2. Who did you ask for letter of rec. (undergrad prof. or Drexel Medical school prof.) and does the IMS program has an office that prepares a composite packet of LOR because I dont want to overwhelm my professors by asking them to send their letter out to 20 different schools.


3. Did you guys have to retake the MCAT? Or that the IMS program is already rigorous enough and by doing well in it, you can substitute it for the low MCAT score.

4. Could you provide a typical timeline of the reapplication to medical school? Like, when did you fill out the AMCAS, when to ask for letter of rec and etc...

Thank you very much in advance for your help.

 

[CaptainZero]

You guys are so helpful, I cant thank enough for all the wonderful inputs provided above. I have recently been accepted to the IMS program and will start in August 2004. I have several questions I would like to ask, and would welcome any answer. My GPA is 3.3 and MCAT is 27. I took it twice but the score was still the same. My questions are:

1. I plan to do the IMS program for 1 year only, when did you guys reapply to medical schools?


2. Who did you ask for letter of rec. (undergrad prof. or Drexel Medical school prof.) and does the IMS program has an office that prepares a composite packet of LOR because I dont want to overwhelm my professors by asking them to send their letter out to 20 different schools.


3. Did you guys have to retake the MCAT? Or that the IMS program is already rigorous enough and by doing well in it, you can substitute it for the low MCAT score.

4. Could you provide a typical timeline of the reapplication to medical school? Like, when did you fill out the AMCAS, when to ask for letter of rec and etc...

Thank you very much in advance for your help.

First of all, congrats on the acceptance.
Some answers:
1) I reapplied (Filled out my AMCAS and sent it) in September. However, I listed Drexel IMS under the "Schools attended" section, but obviously at the time couldn't enter grades or send transcripts. I certified and sent my AMCAS, but didn't realize that it had not been verified . In order to verify your application, AMCAS needs the transcripts of all the schools you list in the "schools attended" section. Some schools sent me a secondary even though my AMCAS had not been verified, and others didn't. I assumed that the schools that didn't send me a secondary didn't send it because they were waiting for my transcripts from drexel. Consequently, I missed the deadline for reciept of a verified a AMCAS application (Nov/Dec at most schools) at 3 of my schools and had to beg and plead for an extension (after calling AMCAS and getting them to verify my application with out my drexel transcripts). So, when you apply, you can do one of two things: You can just not list drexel IMS at all under your "schools attended" section, and just make it clear elsewhere on your application that you're attending IMS and will be forwarding transcripts in January, or you can list IMS, but call AMCAS right away after certifying your application so that they can verify it in leiu of your IMS transcripts (they apparently do this all the time - 202-828-0600, this is a difficult phone number to get your hands on, so don't lose it) and you can avoid the problems that I had. In either case, you can just forward your Drexel transcripts to the schools you're applying to when they become available in early January. I'm not sure which method is best. You can ask the program director (Dr. Soslau) when you get here if he has any advice. Either way, the unfortunate thing is that most schools won't consider your application until they have all of your transcripts, so it will get looked at late.

2) I had my undergrad composite letter sent out from my undergrad school again. Then, while at IMS you will get assigned a faculty advisor who will write you letter of Rec. Once you get assigned this person (Oct.), try to establish a good rapport with them. The letter they write is important, especially to the Drexel adcomm, so you don't want a luke-warm recommendation from them.
Also, near the end of the first semester Dr. Soslau sends out a form letter on behalf of all the people applying that have competitive grades in IMS (B ave or better). This letter goes to all the schools that everyone in the program is applying to and explains that you have done well in a very challenging med. school curriculum. Additionally, they provide another form letter that you can send out yourself that explains what the IMS program is all about (send it out early...many schools require a faculty letter from your current school and won't look at your app. until they have one. Since your IMS faculty letter won't go out until JAn, you might miss a deadline that the school has for reciept of a current faculty letter, and your app will get thrown out. This IMS info letter is used by such schools in-leui of an actual rec letter. I screwed this up when applying this past year too...once again I was begging and pleading - learn from my mistakes.)

3)I didn't retake the MCAT...I felt my MCAT score was good enough. A 27 is right on the fence in my opinion. If you do really well in IMS (>3.6 GPA) I'm sure you'll get into Drexel med with a 27 MCAT. If your GPA is lower, I can't say with absolute certainty that you will get in, but you probably will - maybe off the waitlist. As for other schools, it depends on where you apply. If you're applying to average schools, then I would say the same rules apply as at drexel...rock IMS and you should do fine. In reality, it's so difficult to predict the outcome of the admissions process. At this point, all I can advise you to do is forget about the MCAT and put all of your energy into IMS. If you don't do as well as you would have liked in IMS and decide to retake the MCAT, then do it the following August...don't try for April. While I'm on the subject, make sure to apply to these schools - they tend to take a lot of IMS grads: UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson, New York Medical College, Temple, Albany (where I will be next year), and Jefferson. Drexel Med goes with out saying.

4)My timeline was all messed up because of my aforementioned screw-up(s). But, In general, I think it should go like this: AMCAS and undergrad letters of rec sent out in August/early September (make sure it gets verified!!!). Get your drexel transcripts sent out in early January, as soon as they become available. Forward drexel transcripts directly to the schools you applied to. (your undergrad transcripts should be sent to AMCAS when you send in your application in August). Your drexel faculty letter of rec will get sent right from the person who writes it to the schools you applied to(you have to provide stamped and addressed envelopes). They usually don't write them until after first semester is over (they want to see your grades first), so they won't go out until Jan. You can see why in a previous post I stressed the importance of a solid first semester performance...
In terms of applying, I would talk to Dr. Soslau (you'll get to know him well) during orientation. I feel that his advice is superior to mine. He might know somethings I don't...but in general, the above timeline is about how things should play out.

Hope this helps. Congrats on your acceptance. Work hard and you'll do well...
If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask - this forum is a great way for me to procrastinate when I should be studying for neuro...

 

[drumming207]

CaptainZero,

I can't thank you enough for your insight. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to share all the details of the IMS program. I believe being treated like a "2nd class citizen" will only allow me to work that much harder. Thanks again as it is good to hear "the details" of the program so that adjusting to the "little things" will be easier (and expected).

Good luck in Albany.

drumming 😀

 

[CaptainZero]

Not a prob...glad I could be helpful. I'll be checking this forum regularly until around mid June, so feel free to ask more questions as they come up.
Best of luck...

 

[Terminator]

Thanks CaptionZero,

You're the best! It's such a relief to have someone like you passing on their wisdom to newcomers like me.

 

[Ginkoba4]

I told Drexel IMS via email yesterday that I was not going to enter the program as my first choice medical school is PCOM, and they have their own post-bacc program I can go to. Yet today I got another email from IMS telling me to think it out thoroughly before I choose PCOM Biomed Sciences over Drexel IMS as the two programs are very different and my end options will also be different (he must talking about DO vs. MD). I've only heard good things about IMS and everyone was really helpful in this thread. I also realize if I do IMS, it doesn't mean I can't get into PCOM! This is all very confusing, I wish there were people who knew more about the PCOM biomed program so I could compare them. 😛

 

[drumming207]

I choose PCOM Biomed Sciences over Drexel IMS

Ginkoba4,

I can't really elaborate on the program at PCOM. However, I would suggest doing what is best for you. If you really like PCOM--go there.

In the end, make sure you're not saying "what if..." (concerning your choice between PCOM and Drexel).

I am sure you will do well in either program and I wish you the best.

drumming 😀

 

[CaptainZero]

I agree with drumming...believe me, IMS is run like a business...they want to make money - which is fine, I suppose, but I'm sorry to say that that e-mail probably didn't have your best interests in mind (I've vented some frustrations about the administration at IMS before, but I try to avoid it so as not to sound discouraging...but that e-mail is a rather underhanded tactic and I can't help but say something). Do what you feel like is right. If PCOM is your first choice med school, than by all means do their program. I've met a person that went through PCOM BioMed program and is a first year at PCOM now, and he seemed pretty happy about it...
Good luck

 

[Ringo_Man]

I applied and got accepted to the IMS program. I had weak undergraduate grades and a strong MCAT. I also applied to the PCOM program. I decided not to go to either. I reasoned that because my POST-BAC (UG) grades were very high in comparison to my UG grades + a strong MCAT...I would stand a good chance of getting into medical school.

Also, I dreaded the idea of spending $$$ to essentially repeat my 1st year course work. I didn't want to second guess myself before I got off the plate. If your an average MED school candidate, average meaning of those students that are accepted, then I wouldn't bother. If you have weaknesses in your scholastic record that you need to address or poor MCATS then I would consider it more strongly.

As it stands I got 7 interviews and a few acceptances to MD schools. Some in the TOP tier.

This admissions process is rough, even for people with great credentials. You can always do more. I think that some of these schools POST-BAC (UG and MS) programs, capitalize on this. Unforuntately, as there are no guarentees, sometimes you have to just rely on your own good judgement. Sometimes just believing in the yourself and focusing on the good decisions you've made to get you this far will be enough. You will know what to do.

 

[jaadu1981]

Hey guys,
Im pretty new at this forum. But I have a couple of questions. I just recently got accepted to the IMS program at Drexel. Any tips on which classes I should focus on? Also, I wanted to get a head start on studying before I get there, where should I start getting the textbooks/notes? Also, are older exams available to prepare from? Thanks .

 

[CaptainZero]

Focus on ALL of them. They are all difficult in their own way. Physio is conceptually difficult (Just wait until the chest pain module...it's more like a combination of fluid dynamics, physics and physio as opposed to juist physio), Bio chem is difficult becuase of the vast quantity of information you have to memorize. Immuno is a combination of both. Anyway, the point is that you need to give you're best effort in all classes or you won't get in to med school.
However, different modules stress different subjects. For example, the "chest pain" module focused mainly on physio - or at least physio was the most demanding subject. The "weight loss" module's most demanding subject was Bio Chem...and towards the end of the year all you have is Neuro.
Old exams are available in the library for Micro Anatomy and Physio. Bio Chem, Immuno, Nutrition etc. do not have old exams available, however previous students sometimes have them and they end up floating around before exams.
As far as preparing ahead of time...I have to ask, Why? My advice would be to relax and enjoy your summer, you'll be studying PLENTY over the next 10 months that by the end of it you'll be dying for a month off. Additionally, there is SO much information in the text books and you really have no idea what you will be expected to learn until the classes start, so you might end up studying stuff you won't need to know anyway.
IF you are adamant about study this summer, I would focus on Bio Chem, Physio and Immunolgy. Don't buy the required texts for these classes (see one of my previous posts in this thread about advice on buying books). Instead, buy USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam) prep books - First Aid and Pre Test are the best in my opinion. But honestly, even these overview type books are pretty overwhelming for "summer study". I really think studying over the summer will have little if any benefit to you.
Just work hard once you're there and you'll do fine.
Good luck next year.

 

[drumming207]

I found the current academic calendar for the IMS program. However, I couldn't find anything for the fall semester.

When does the fall break start and how long does it last (I am trying to plan some vacation time)?

Thanks.

drumming 😀

 

[CaptainZero]

I found the current academic calendar for the IMS program. However, I couldn't find anything for the fall semester.

When does the fall break start and how long does it last (I am trying to plan some vacation time)?

Thanks.

drumming 😀

I have no idea what the schedule is like for next year, and I really have no means of finding out...you can call the office and they might know, but don't expect them to be too helpful.

If you're looking for a day to day schedule, you probably won't get that until orientation. Your day to day schedule will never be the same. some days you'll have one class, others you'll have 5 and a 2 hour lab.

you can check out this year's (2003-2004 academic year) Med school schedule here:
http://webcampus.med.drexel.edu/ifm/calendar.asp?year=1
The IMS schedule was pretty much the same with exception to Gross anatomy, genetics, and behavioral science (IMS doesn't have those classes). But IMS does have Medicine & Society which is not on that schedule...it often is scheduled when med students have gross anatomy. I imagine that next year's (2004-2005 academic year) schedule will be similar...
Hope that helps a little...

 

[pem8erly]

Hi all,

I've applied to the IMS program but have not been accepted yet. But these posts have made me very worried that if I do go into the program I will simply be in the same situation as this past application year. My application verification was delayed for over 2 months because of a transcript problem. It didn't go through until end of November by which point I believe no one even bothered with my application until January. Anyone come up with a good solution to get around this problem? Thanks!

 

[Thegandlighs]

This is for those that are applying or reapplying (like me) to medical school while attending the IMS program this fall and are filling out the coursework for AMCAS. Since the course listings on the forms of the acceptance package does not state which class/es have labs or not, I called the office to check. The only classes that have labs are the Microanatomy courses (in fall and spring semester) and the neuroscience course (in spring semester). These are combined lecture and lab courses. All other courses are just lecture courses.
If neither if my two waitlists come through for me, I'll see you guys in the fall!

 

[CaptainZero]

Hi all,

I've applied to the IMS program but have not been accepted yet. But these posts have made me very worried that if I do go into the program I will simply be in the same situation as this past application year. My application verification was delayed for over 2 months because of a transcript problem. It didn't go through until end of November by which point I believe no one even bothered with my application until January. Anyone come up with a good solution to get around this problem? Thanks!

I posted a reply on 5/16/04 in this thread that deals with this issue. However, I can't stress enough that what i wrote is just my advice based on my experiences...there may be far better ways to go about getting your AMCAS application completed and submitted. In all honesty, the best thing to do is to call the IMS office and talk to Dr. Soslau.
When I had to get my AMCAS verified it wasn't hard...they just did it over the phone after I explained how IMS worked. Becuase I had no idea that my AMCAS needed to be verified, I didn't get it done until really late...but I can see no reason why you shouldn't be able to get it verified now just by calling.

 

[Thegandlighs]

If we are just doing the one year of IMS, when I fill out the AMCAS, I put down that I have no major and no degree, right? I'm just checking.

 

[pem8erly]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone who was in IMS and got into schools got positive feedback from admissions committees about their IMS work. Were the schools impressed by the fact you finished a majority of first year courses?

 

[FocusedToGetIn]

Hi guys,

I had my telephone interview, for Drexel IMS, this past week, and received a letter from the program today. It states they have placed my file on "hold" status; has anyone else received the same letter? (especially, someone from previous years who might be aware of how the process moves and what I can do about it). I am really looking forward to this program and would really appreciate any insight. Thanks.

 

[drumming207]

FTGI,

I think the "hold" status is not a bad thing: many people get off waitlists to medical schools / people change their mind about the program----so, it seems like they send out a lot of "holds" to eventually fill the class by Aug. 2nd (from what I heard from a previous MSP/IMSer).

I hope this helps.

drumming 😀

 

[FocusedToGetIn]

Thanks. Again, I just wanted to know what I can do now (besides just sitting here hoping) to be a better applicant. Any info from previous "hold" status applicants would be great.

 

[CaptainZero]

Thegandlighs,
I think I put down no major/ no-degree on my AMCAS...I'm not entirely positive though. Is there a option of "certificate" under the degree section?
pem8erly,
Many schools know a lot about IMS and how difficult it is...so yes, they will be impressed if you do well. At one of the schools I applied to (Albany) both of my interviewers made it a point to mention that several IMS students had matriculated there in the past and they all did very well. Also, two schools in particular actively seek out IMS students -NYMC and UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson (by actively I mean they contact the Administartion of IMS and ask for a list of the top performers in the class).

 

[DocKW]

If you attend the IMS program, can you apply to medical school during the program, or do most students wait until they have received a complete year of grades?

Thanks!

 

[Thegandlighs]

You can apply during the program. That is what I will be doing.

 

[Orchid 209]

Hi,

I just got into the IMS program and debating on whether I should apply to med school this year or wait out one more year for grades. I applied to 40 (a handful were public schools as well) schools for 2004, got 35 secondaries, submitted 33, 3 interviews, and as of now 2 waitlists. I have a 3.4 (3.3 sci and 28 MCATs). From my advisors, they feel that my weaknesses were hands -on clinical experience and the mediocre stats. I was wondering would it be possible for me to do the IMS and gain more clinical experience at the same time? If I did the masters, would it give me some more time to work in clinics? or is the program so intense that I wouldn't even have time to do clinical stuff, and I might as well apply??

Thanks for helping out! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Thegandlighs]

Orchid 209, when I was reading your post, it was almost like I was reading about myself. I too am on two waitlists with similar numbers. I will be attending IMS this fall if neither of the waitlists pan out for me. Hearing that it will be extremely tough to do well in this program I don't know how conducive the program will be to allow gaining a significant amount of clinical experience. With that said, i've never done the program...
I will be reapplying while I attend the program. I think if you finished strong in undergrad, I think it would be fine to reapply while attending IMS and send schools your first semester grades so that they know you can handle medical school courses. On the other hand, if your final undergrad semesters/quarters were not the strongest, you might want to have a whole year under your belt.

In the meantime, good luck on your waitlists! Maybe we won't even have to worry about this....

 

[Orchid 209]

Hi Theg,

I hope both of us get off the waitlist soon! I was wondering what two schools are you waitlisted at?? Where did you do your undergrad at?

My last year of college I only took 5 science classes (we're on quarter system) and got 2a-'s, 2 b+, and a b- (pchem of macrmolecules 😡 ugh!), the other 7 classes I took were all econ and I did only mediocre on those (b average), so I don't know... science wise I think I improved, but overall gpa.... I pretty much was consistent throughtout my four years.

I don't what would happen with my school's committee letter and etc since i've been out of school this past year and don't know who I would get a letter from. How did you go about that?? I guess I'd have to wait until I get the packet from Drexel and get advice from them...

My fingers are crossed for the both of us!!!

 

[CaptainZero]

You won't have time for a lot of clinical experience, but there are several clinics that are always looking for volunteers...most of them serve the homeless/disadvantaged. I think most people that work at these clinics work about 5 hours a week. You can always look into volunteering at the hahnemann e.r. too...it's all of about 100 feet from where your classes will be held.
Keep in mind that the amount of hours that I said I studied in previous posts was what I needed to do. I basically blew off my undergrad courses, so I didn't really have a solid foundation to start from. Having a 3.4, you may find that since you learned the basics relatively well the first time around, you won't have to study as much in IMS (thus leaving more time for clinical type stuff). Also, I felt that with a sub 3.0 undergrad GPA, I had to get almost all A's to stand a shot at getting into med school. With a 3.4 undergrad, I think that you could do reasonably well with a lower GPA than mine in IMS - again freeing up more time for you to get some clinical experience.
During your orientation you'll get a ton of info about different places to volunteer...some clinical, some not.
Also, the main thing that MMS (the 2nd year IMS students getting a masters) people do is research. That research can be clinical or lab based. It's completely up to the student to find/choose a research position (they're not hard to find in philly though). So, to answer your question, the second year could give you more clinical experience if you choose an appropriate research project.
About the letter of Rec...you'll get assigned a Drexel faculty member that will write you one after the first semester is over (I talked in more detail about this in a previous post). I used that and re-sent my undergrad committee letter.

 

[Thegandlighs]

I'm on the wait list at Drexel and St. Louis University. I did my undergrad at UC Davis.
I think it would be alright to apply this year while you're in the program. I also wanted to reapply this year (and not next year) because my MCAT is only good till this year.
As CaptainZero said, just resend my committee letters again plus the one you get from Drexel.

 

[CaptainZero]

In addition to all of the other schools I've listed (for future IMS students to apply to), I should mention Tulane...from what i hear, there's a few people from IMS going there this year...so they're probably familiar with and like IMS grads.
here's the list again:
Albany
NYMC
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Tufts (I'm not 100% certain about this one)
UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson
Tulane

 

[MD Rapper]

Q: About how many students are in the IMS program each year? How many drop? How many of those left get into an allopathic school... anything else.. thanks!

 

[Art Vandalay]

In addition to all of the other schools I've listed (for future IMS students to apply to), I should mention Tulane...from what i hear, there's a few people from IMS going there this year...so they're probably familiar with and like IMS grads.
here's the list again:
Albany
NYMC
Drexel
Temple
Jefferson
Tufts (I'm not 100% certain about this one)
UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson
Tulane

Captain, can you give more info on how you know that schools like Albany, etc are favorabe for IMS students. What I've noticed is that a lot of schools don't even look at what you're doing during the application cycle unless you've received an interview. Even mentioning the program will mean nothing... that's my impression. Now, RWJ and Albany are both state schools... being an out of state resident for both schools, is it still worth applying to them?

 

[pem8erly]

I just found out yesterday that I have been accepted into the IMS program!!! Now I am just waiting for my acceptance packet to get started... any suggestions on living arrangements?

 

[CaptainJack02]

is it too late to apply for the drexel ims program? will i have a significantly decreased chance of getting in if i send in a application right now?

i guess #'s are appropriate here: 3.08 overall, 2.9 sci, 34R mcat, 1 yr clinical vol work, teaching asst, poetry editor for a mag.

i was considering harvard extension's health careers program, but i'm becoming less certain of this. i think the ims program will help more. anyhoo, please advise.

 

[toxin]

its bit late , but you never know I guess. Call them and see what they think...they're nice so Im sure that they wont have any problems answering any questions that you have. 🙂

 

[CaptainZero]

Captain, can you give more info on how you know that schools like Albany, etc are favorabe for IMS students. What I've noticed is that a lot of schools don't even look at what you're doing during the application cycle unless you've received an interview. Even mentioning the program will mean nothing... that's my impression. Now, RWJ and Albany are both state schools... being an out of state resident for both schools, is it still worth applying to them?

Just because I know of several IMs students that get either interviewed or accepted at these schools. Also, RWJ and Temple sent a rep to Drexel to talk to and meet the IMS students.
Albany is not a state school, it's private. RWJ accepts a lot of out of state applicants and allows you to declare NJ residency after 1 year.

 

[CaptainZero]

Q: About how many students are in the IMS program each year? How many drop? How many of those left get into an allopathic school... anything else.. thanks!

roughly 100 or so in IMS; this past year about 6 dropped out.
I've previously posted in this thread the general acceptance rates out of IMs...but they're just guesses. Nobody I know of, Administration included, can give you a straight answer to this. (As I previously mentioned, the administration loves to bend these stats so that they can promote the program...they keep the actual acceptances rates under lock and key so that no one will call them out when they lie and say that 80% of students get accepted).

 

[drumming207]

Anyone:

Are most IMS grads accepted to MD or DO school? I read somewhere that most IMS students were getting into DO schools as opposed to MD schools.

CaptainZero: I am not sure if you know this, but where are most of the "top" IMS students in your class going to school (any UPenn, etc.)?

I am just curious because it seems like most IMSers are getting into third-tier schools and I haven't heard any of the UCs or IVYs mentioned. I guess what I am asking is: any of the grads going to "big name" schools?

drumming 😀

 

[CaptainZero]

Anyone:

Are most IMS grads accepted to MD or DO school? I read somewhere that most IMS students were getting into DO schools as opposed to MD schools.

CaptainZero: I am not sure if you know this, but where are most of the "top" IMS students in your class going to school (any UPenn, etc.)?

I am just curious because it seems like most IMSers are getting into third-tier schools and I haven't heard any of the UCs or IVYs mentioned. I guess what I am asking is: any of the grads going to "big name" schools?

drumming 😀

A lot of IMS students got in to DO schools...maybe the slight majority. Also, a lot of people have recently (within the past three weeks) gotten in to MD schools off of waitlists. Originally when I started answering IMS Q's, I had heard of more DO acceptances, but now I think it's roughly 50/50. Once again, I am just offering this as a guess...
As far as the top students... Most are most are headed to Drexel, a few to various schools scattered around the country, but no Ivy's or UC schools though - at least not that I know of...so i guess it's mostly "lower tier" acceptances. (I'm not sure exactly which schools you're refering to as "third tier" ...I was unaware that a tier system for ranking med schools exists). Honestly, most IMS students are happy to get in anywhere - you get an MD no matter where you go as long as you do the work. I'll spare you my tyraid against the rampant SDN eletist view on this subject...